Turns out that Richmond has scheduled its annual Folk Festival for the weekend of our wedding! We have gone every year, and it is always fantastic. Richmond plays host to folk music groups from all around the world over three days and six different stages near Tredegar and Brown’s Island. There are also food and drinks available. DO NOT MISS THIS! We plan on being there on Saturday the 28th. Check out performers and the events schedule on the website.

The best museum around. Totally free for the permanent collection, open every day of the year, and completely fantastic. You could visit for 30 minutes or stay all day. We always end up spending more time here than anticipated, which is never a bad thing. They also have great traveling exhibits, for which there is special admission. We went here on our first not-quite-a-date; of course we visited the Classics section first!

Maymont is the former 100-acre estate of the Dooley family, who donated it to the city as a park after their deaths. You can tour their mansion, explore the Italian and Japanese gardens, wander the outdoor paths to see raptors, bears, bison, and more, and visit the indoor Nature Center. We love to visit the gardens in all seasons, and when the weather is nice we often spread a blanket under a tree and read Jane Austen together.

No matter the season, Lewis Ginter is always worth a visit. We go there a few times a year to see the various flowers and landscaping, walk around the lake, smell the roses, and gaze at Christmas lights during the winter. They do charge admission, but we usually find it worthwhile.

Okay, so this isn't one place, but this section of Cary Street contains some of our favorite spots. For food, we love the Thai restaurant Mom's Siam. We also love to stop by The Spice and Tea Exchange to pick up new tea blends. The Jasper is a Richmond-famous bar. Carytown is also home to the historic Byrd Theatre, which shows a wide and ever-changing selection of movies in a beautiful theater. These are just a few great spots--explore Carytown for yourself!

Agecroft is Richmond's own Tudor mansion. It was shipped over from England in bits and pieces, which were used to construct the modern building. It overlooks the river and also boasts beautiful gardens. The Richmond Shakes group performs Shakespeare plays and presents the annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival here. Nathan has also performed here as part of the Festival Young Company in high school.

We have only been here once, but it is such a cool little place that it makes the list. Hotel Greene is a hotel-themed indoor mini golf course. You can get snacks and enjoy the bar before, during, and after your game of mini golf (seriously, they bring you drinks while you play). If you're interested to know, Heather won our game.